The morning sky over Sriharikota was filled with the promise of a new beginning as the Indian Space Research Organisation geared up for its first major launch of the year. The trusted workhorse, PSLV-C62, roared into the atmosphere carrying the hopes of the nation and the sophisticated Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha. Scientists, students, and space enthusiasts watched with bated breath, expecting another textbook success from the agency that has made space exploration look effortless. The launch initially seemed perfect, with the rocket clearing the launchpad and soaring through the early stages with its characteristic precision, painting a trail of fire and ambition across the blue canvas.However, the mood in the control room shifted dramatically as the rocket entered its third stage. Official reports indicate that the vehicle suffered a critical anomaly, leading to a deviation from its intended flight path. The smooth trajectory maps on the screens suddenly showed a divergence, and the silence that followed confirmed the fears of everyone watching. Despite the flawless performance of the earlier stages, this unexpected technical glitch in the upper phase meant that the rocket could not inject its precious cargo into the designated orbit. The mission, intended to bolster India’s surveillance and remote sensing capabilities, unfortunately ended in a loss, reminding the world that space remains an unforgiving frontier.This setback is particularly painful as it involved not just the primary national satellite but also several co-passenger payloads from aspiring space startups and international partners. The loss of EOS-N1 means a delay in deploying advanced hyperspectral imaging technology that was set to monitor our borders and natural resources. For the private companies that had their satellites onboard, this represents a momentary pause in their dreams of orbital innovation. Yet, the history of ISRO is defined not by its stumbles, but by its incredible ability to rise again. Just as they have done before, the brilliant minds at the space agency will analyze the data, pinpoint the fault, and return to the launchpad stronger and more determined than ever.
